The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. Not a summary of everything — the one thing that makes someone stop scrolling. A reader who only reads this paragraph must understand what happened. UEFA has decided against adopting a new rule that would have sent off players for covering their mouths during confrontations in the Champions League.

The debate surrounding the mouth-covering red card rule started to gain widespread attention in February during a Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid. Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt to cover his mouth while speaking to Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. The Argentine was initially accused of racist abuse and provisionally suspended for one match. However, following a UEFA investigation, Prestianni was found guilty of homophobic conduct and handed a six-match suspension, with three matches suspended.

The law allowing referees to issue red cards for players who deliberately cover their mouths during confrontations was championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who argued it would have “a deterrent effect” during the World Cup. The proposal was approved by IFAB in April. Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off under the new rule during his country’s World Cup group-stage match against Turkey. Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie was also dismissed after a VAR review during his side’s Round of 16 defeat to co-hosts Mexico.

UEFA has chosen not to adopt the automatic dismissal rule, instead allowing referees to assess each incident on its own merits and decide whether a yellow card is appropriate if covering the mouth is deemed “an attempt to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour”

The rule has sparked debate since its introduction, with critics arguing that it risks creating a presumption of guilt rather than innocence. Others have expressed concern that players could attempt to manipulate officials into sending off opponents even when no abusive language has been used.

UEFA confirmed it will adopt another optional IFAB measure allowing VAR to review incorrectly awarded corner kicks. The technology has already overturned 22 corner decisions into goal-kicks during the World Cup. However, UEFA also said it will not enforce another optional law that permits referees to issue red cards to players who leave the field in protest of an official’s decision.

Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president who championed the mouth-covering red card rule, has been a vocal advocate for stricter punishments for players who engage in unsporting behavior. He has been a prominent figure in the world of football for over a decade, having served as the Secretary-General of FIFA from 2016 to 2023.

The IFAB proposal was approved in April, with the governing body citing the need to curb unsporting behavior in the sport. The rule was initially met with widespread criticism from players and coaches, who argued that it was too harsh and would lead to a culture of fear in the sport.

A UEFA investigation into the incident involving Gianluca Prestianni found that he was guilty of homophobic conduct, rather than racist abuse. Prestianni was handed a six-match suspension, with three matches suspended.

Key Facts:

  • 22 corner decisions overturned into goal-kicks during the World Cup as a result of VAR review.
  • 3 matches suspended for Gianluca Prestianni’s six-match suspension.
  • 6-match suspension handed to Gianluca Prestianni for homophobic conduct.